Method and Apparatus for Reforming an Inside Dome Wall Portion of a Container

ABSTRACT

A reform apparatus for reforming a bottom portion of a metallic beverage container is provided. The reform apparatus generally includes a pair of reform rollers interconnected to pivot arms. Spring are operably interconnected to the reform rollers such that the reform rollers a biased radially inwardly in an unactuated state. The springs at least one of spring bushings and compression springs. The reform rollers rotate radially outwardly when a wedge member pushes axially between the two pivot arms. The wedge member engages and imparts rotation to the pivot arms. An annular edge of each of the reform rollers contacts an inner wall portion of the bottom portion of the beverage container to form a groove of a predetermined size and shape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,510 filed Jun. 17, 2016,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture ofcontainers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a methodand apparatus for reforming the bottom portion of a metallic containerto enhance strength characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Metallic beverage containers offer distributors and consumers manybenefits. The metallic body of a beverage container provides optimalprotection properties for products. For example, the metallic bodyprevents CO₂ migration and transmission of UV radiation which may damagebeverages, negatively influencing the flavor, appearance, or color ofthe product. Metallic beverage containers also offer an impermeablebarrier to light, water vapor, oils and fats, oxygen, andmicro-organisms and keep the contents of the container fresh andprotected from external influences, thereby guaranteeing a longshelf-life. The surfaces of metallic containers are also ideal fordecorating with brand names, logos, designs, product information, and/orother preferred indicia for identifying, marketing, and distinguishingthe metallic container and its contents from other products andcompetitors. Thus, metallic containers offer bottlers, distributors, andretailers an ability to stand out at the point of sale.

Additionally, many consumers prefer metallic containers compared tocontainers made of glass or plastic. Metallic containers areparticularly attractive to consumers because of the convenience theyoffer. The light weight of metallic containers makes them easier tocarry than glass containers. Metallic containers are particularlysuitable for use in public places and outdoors because they are moredurable than glass containers. Further, some consumers avoid plasticcontainers due to concerns that the plastic may leach chemicals intoconsumable products.

As a result of these benefits, sales of metallic containers were valuedat approximately $53 billion globally in 2014. A large percentage of themetallic container market is driven by beverage containers. According toone report, approximately 290 billion metallic beverage containers wereshipped globally in 2012. One U.S. trade group reported that 126 billionmetallic containers were shipped in the U.S. alone in 2014. To meet thisdemand, metallic container manufacturing facilities operate some of thefastest, if not the fastest, production lines in the container industry.Accordingly, specialized equipment is required for many of theoperations performed to form the metallic beverage containers.

Metallic beverage containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes.Common sizes range from about 6 ounces to about 32 ounces or larger.Exemplary diameter sizes for beverage containers are 2 2/16 inches, 24/16 inches, and 2 11/16 inches, which are commonly known as 202, 204,and 211 containers, respectively. Numerous other diameter sizes existand are well known in the art. Metallic beverage containers aretypically cylindrical, although other shapes are known.

Beverage containers are generally formed of two separate pieces, acontainer body and a container end closure. The container body is formedfrom a single piece of metal and includes a bottom dome portion, asidewall portion, and a neck portion with a decreased diameter extendingupwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion is adapted toreceive an end closure after the container body is filled with abeverage. An example of a known process of forming a container body isgenerally illustrated and described in “Inside a Ball Beverage CanPlant,” available at:http://www.ball.com/Ball/media/Ball/Global/Downloads/How_a_Ball_Metal_Beverage_Can_Is_Made.pdf?ext=.pdf(last visited Mar. 28, 2017) which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

An important consideration in designing and fabricating such beveragecontainers involves providing a desirable balance between minimizingmaterial requirements (such as providing relatively thin-gauge metal)while achieving a beverage container that will maintain its integrityand/or form, despite shipping and handling impacts or forces and impactsarising from dropped beverage containers and shipping mishaps. Moreover,it is critical to provide beverage containers which maintain integrityand/or form even when the contents are under pressure due to carbonatedor otherwise gas-pressurized contents and/or arising from high internaltemperatures, including, in some cases, pasteurization temperatures.

Typical beverage container forming processes include subjecting a thinsheet of metal alloy to a series of drawing, ironing, and/or formingoperations. One of the first steps performed on such a metal sheet is acupping process where the sheet is drawn into a seamless cup toestablish an initial shape and inside diameter of the beveragecontainer. Subsequently, the cup is pushed through a series of ironingrings to thin the outer wall of the container to a selected thickness.During these ironing processes, performed with equipment commonlyreferred to as bodymaker tooling, the diameter of the container istypically maintained while the outer wall length is substantiallyincreased to establish the fluid capacity of the beverage container. Thebottom portion of the beverage container is generally formed to define arecessed or concave dome surface to resist deformation due to internalfluid pressures. The pressure at which the recessed surface is deformedor reversed is often called the “static dome reversal pressure” of thebeverage container. The bottom portion of the beverage container alsoincludes an annular support member which will contact a supportingsurface to maintain the beverage container in a vertical position duringstacking, consumer use, and the like.

The annular support member generally contains outer and inner surfacesthat join the outer wall to the annular support member and that join theannular support member to the domed surface, respectively. These outerand inner surfaces have profiles which are shaped during the manufactureof the container to provide an outside dome profile and an inside domeprofile.

The configuration of the bottom portion of the beverage container isimportant for a variety of reasons. The outside dome profile is oftenconfigured for purposes of stacking beverage containers. The outside andinside dome profiles are also important in facilitating material usagereductions, since various geometric configurations can be utilized toenhance strength characteristics. For example, the bottom portion may beconfigured to enhance the static dome reversal pressure characteristicsand to reduce the risk of damage caused when a filled beverage containeris dropped onto a hard surface during shipping, storage, and use. Thisdrop resistance may be described as the cumulative drop height at whichthe bottom portion is damaged sufficiently to preclude the beveragecontainer from standing upright on a flat surface.

One method of improving the strength characteristics of beveragecontainers is known as “reforming.” During reforming, the inside domeprofile of the bottom portion of a beverage container is formed tocreate a geometric configuration with improved strength characteristics.Reforming results in increased buckle and drop strength for beveragecontainers. Methods and apparatus, known as “reformers,” used inreforming the inside dome profile of beverage containers are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,973, U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,385, U.S. Pat. No.5,355,709, U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,468, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,352, U.S. Pat.No. 5,697,242, U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,241, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,686, U.S.Pat. No. 5,934,127, U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,393, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,089,and U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,577 which are each incorporated herein in theirentirety.

Typical beverage container manufacturing facilities contain expensivecapital equipment and often produce hundreds of millions of beveragecontainers per year. The wear of components of reformers is inherent insuch a container manufacturing facility based of the tremendous speedand output of product. The wear rings and bushings of known reformersare especially susceptible to wear and failure. In some reformers, wearrings and bushings typically last only a few months between rebuilds orbefore other substantial maintenance is required. For example, someknown reformers typically only operate for about 3 to 4 months beforerequiring maintenance. During this period, the reformer may reform theinterior dome of only about 315 million beverage containers.

Additionally, as the reformer components wear, there is frequently adeterioration in the precision with which the reform roller ispositioned. Variations in the positioning of the reform rollers cause adeparture of the container bottom shape from the intended shape orprofile. Such departures can reduce the beverage container's strength,durability, or resistance to damage or failure. However, replacement ofparts and other maintenance performed on reformers typically requiresshutting down a production line with disadvantageous economicconsequences. It is highly desirable to reduce such maintenance, asperforming the maintenance results in the machine being out of servicefor manufacturing use, and also requires personnel to service themachine and replacement parts, all of which add to the total cost ofproducing beverage containers.

Further, some prior art reformers include a reform roller that isactivated in response to a force applied by a metallic containercontacting the reformer. For example, one known reformer requires themetallic container to apply a force to the reformer to move the reformroller outwardly into contact with the dome of the metallic container.As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the force applied by themetallic container may damage the metallic container, such as causingthe body portion of the metallic container to buckle or otherwisedeform.

Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a reformer with componentsthat last longer and which operate according to specifications forlonger periods without maintenance or replacement to reduce overallmaintenance in a manufacturing facility, and to reduce the inherent wearof machinery and the tooling associated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for reforming acontainer dome wall in a cost-effective, fast, and reliable manner. Oneaspect of the present invention is a reforming apparatus which forms aconsistent reform bead or groove in an inner wall portion of a domeportion of a beverage container while operating for extended timeperiods without excessive wear or failure. More specifically, thereforming apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention canoperate for up to at least 1 year without significant maintenance orrebuilding. Stated differently, the reforming apparatus of the presentinvention can operate up to at least 400 percent longer than knownreformers. In another embodiment, the reforming apparatus of the presentinvention can reform the bottom dome portion of approximately 1.26billion metallic containers without significant maintenance.Accordingly, the reforming apparatus of the present invention cansignificantly reduce downtime and associated loss of a beveragecontainer production line.

Another aspect of the present invention is a reform apparatus thatincludes a novel sliding wedge. The sliding wedge transfers axial androtational motion to pivot arms and to reform rollers. Biasing elementsbias the pivot arms inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the reformapparatus. In one embodiment, the sliding wedge includes two slotsadapted to selectively capture the pivot arms that hold the reformrollers. In this manner, the sliding wedge causes the pivot arms torotate axially around the longitudinal axis and the reform rollers tomove outwardly away from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, thebiasing elements include at least one of spring bushings and compressionsprings. The spring bushings and the compression springs bias the pivotarms inwardly toward the longitudinal axis when the sliding wedge iswithdrawn at least partially from a space between the pivot arms. In oneembodiment, the compression springs are interconnected to a set screwthat may be rotated to alter the biasing force applied by thecompression springs. In another embodiment, the reform apparatus usessome of the parts of known single roller reformers.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a reformapparatus that includes two reform rollers. The two rollers balance theforming load and improve the performance and longevity of components ofthe reform apparatus. Said otherwise, each of the two reform rollers isconfigured to apply less force to an interior dome portion of a metalliccontainer compared to known reform apparatus that only include a singlereform roller. Accordingly, the reform apparatus of the presentinvention may reform the interior dome portion of a metallic containerwhile applying a lower load to the metallic container than knownreforming apparatus.

Another aspect of the present invention is a reform apparatus whichincludes reform rollers interconnected to pivot arms. The reform rollerspivot outwardly in response to movement of a wedge member between thepivot arms. Thus, the reform rollers move outwardly to engage an innerwall portion of a metallic container due to movement of the wedgemember. In one embodiment, the movement of the reform rollers and thewedge is not in response to contact of the metallic container with thereform apparatus. In this manner, the reform apparatus of the presentinvention does not require contact of the metallic container to move thereform rollers to an engaged position. Thus, the reform apparatus of thepresent invention applies a lower load to the metallic container duringreforming of the metallic container dome wall compared to knownreforming apparatus.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a novel sliding wedge.The sliding wedge includes grooves to selectively capture pivot arms ofa reform apparatus. In one embodiment, the grooves are tapered.Optionally, the tapered grooves may include a first portion with a firstslope and a second portion with a second different slope. In oneembodiment, the sliding wedge is made of an engineered plastic. Inanother embodiment, the sliding wedge is made of an organicthermoplastic polymer. In still another embodiment, the sliding wedge ismade of polyether ether ketone. In one embodiment, the sliding wedge isformed from a single piece of material.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a sliding wedgecomprising a first portion interconnected to a second portion. Thesliding wedge includes two grooves. Optionally, the grooves have a depththat varies along a length of the grooves. The grooves are generallyparallel to a longitudinal axis of the wedge and positioned onsubstantially opposite sides of the wedge. In one embodiment, thesliding wedge includes rollers. The rollers may be arranged generallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the wedge. In one embodiment, thesliding wedge includes two rollers with one roller associated with eachof the grooves. At least a portion of each roller projects through anaperture in the groove with which the roller is associated. In thismanner, each roller contacts and rolls up an inclined surface of a pivotarm of the reform apparatus when the sliding wedge is advance axiallybetween the pivot arms.

Another novel aspect of the present invention is a compression springaligned to apply a biasing force to a pivot arm of a reform apparatus.The compression spring is configured to bias the pivot arm radiallyinwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the reform apparatus. In thismanner, a reform roller associated with the pivot arm is biased in anunactuated state such that the pivot arm is positioned proximate to thelongitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the compression spring isgenerally radially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reformingapparatus. Said another way, the compression spring is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a reforming apparatuswhich has fewer moving parts and requires less lubrication andmaintenance than prior art reforming apparatus. In one embodiment, thereforming apparatus includes spring bushings that generate little or nofriction.

It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a reformingapparatus for shaping an inner wall portion of a closed end of ametallic container. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, oneor more of: (1) a tooling support element; (2) a dome receptacleinterconnected to a distal end of the tooling support element andincluding a surface portion adapted to support the closed end of themetallic container; (3) pivot arms positioned within the tooling supportelement; (4) a biasing element to provide an inward biasing force to thepivot arms; (5) a track roller interconnected to a distal end of each ofthe pivot arms; (6) a reform roller interconnected to a distal end ofeach track roller, each reform roller including an annular edge with apredetermined shape; (7) a wedge member positioned between the pivotarms and in operable contact to travel between the pivot arms; and (8) ashaft interconnected to a proximal end of the wedge member toselectively supply axial movement to the wedge member, wherein when thewedge member is advanced toward the dome receptacle between the pivotarms by the shaft, the pivot arms extend outwardly and the annular edgesof the reform rollers engage the inner wall portion of the metalliccontainer. The biasing element biases the distal end of each of thepivot arms inwardly toward a longitudinal axis of the reformingapparatus. In one embodiment, the biasing element is at least one of aspring bushing and a compression spring. In another embodiment, a springbushing is positioned at least partially within each of the pivot arms.Optionally, a compression spring is interconnected to each of the pivotarms. In another embodiment, the compression spring is interconnected toan exterior side of each of the pivot arms to apply an inward biasingforce to each of the pivot arms.

In one embodiment, an exterior distance between the annular edges of thereform rollers increases by at least about 0.08 inches when the pivotarms extend outwardly. Optionally, an angle between the reform rollersand a longitudinal axis of the reforming apparatus increases by at leastabout 0.9° when the pivot arms extend outwardly. In one embodiment, eachtrack roller has a roller axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axiswhen the pivot arms extend outwardly.

In another embodiment, each of the pivot arms includes a projection tobe received by the wedge member. Optionally, each of the pivot armsincludes an interior side which slopes inwardly proximate to the distalend.

In one embodiment, the wedge member is configured to selectively engagea portion of each of the pivot arms. In another embodiment, the wedgemember includes grooves to engage an interior side of each of the pivotarms. In one embodiment, the grooves engage the interior side when thewedge member is advanced axially between the pivot arms by the shaft.Optionally, the grooves of the wedge member include a first portion witha first slope and a second portion with a second slope. In anotherembodiment, the grooves of the wedge member have a first depth proximateto the shaft which is less than a second depth of the grooves proximateto the reform rollers. In still another embodiment, the wedge membercomprises at least one of an engineered plastic and an organicthermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, the wedge member suppliesrotational movement to the pivot arms. Further, the wedge membersupplies an outwardly oriented force to the pivot arms when the wedgemember is advanced toward the dome receptacle.

In one embodiment, the spring bushings include an outer portion with acentral bore. In another embodiment, the spring bushings include aninner portion positioned within the central bore of the outer portion.Optionally, the inner portion includes a peripheral gap along a lengthof the inner portion. In another embodiment, the inner portion includestwo peripheral gaps. Optionally the two peripheral gaps aresubstantially diametrically aligned. In one embodiment, the springbushings are aligned with a plane that is substantially perpendicular toan axis of rotation of the shaft. In another embodiment, longitudinalaxes of the spring bushings define a plane that is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft.

Another aspect of the present invention is a tool adapted to shape aninner wall of a metallic container dome. The tool comprises at least oneof: (1) a tool assembly with an upper end (or first end) and a lower end(or second end), the first end having a substantially flat upper surfaceadapted to engage the dome of the metallic container; (2) two pivot armspositioned within the tool assembly; (3) a reform roller associated witha first end of each pivot arm; (4) a wedge member positioned between thetwo pivot arms and having a tapered geometric profile between a firstend and a second end to engage an inward portion of each of the twopivot arms; and (5) a shaft operably engaged to the second end of thewedge member, wherein when force is applied to the second end of thewedge member, the pivot arms extend outwardly and annular edges of thereform rollers engage the inner wall of the metallic container dome. Inone embodiment, the wedge member has an exterior surface configured toengage an interior portion of each of the two pivot arms. In anotherembodiment, the wedge member includes two outwardly facing grooves toengage the interior portion of each of the two pivot arms. Optionally,the grooves have a first depth proximate to the first end that isgreater than a second depth proximate to the second end. In anotherembodiment, at least a portion of each of the reform rollers extends atleast partially above (or beyond) the substantially flat upper surfaceof the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the shaft is operable to rotatearound a longitudinal axis. In this manner, the shaft rotates the wedgemember around the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the tool further includes biasing elements interconnected tothe tool assembly to bias each of the two pivot arms inwardly toward thelongitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the biasing elements comprise atleast one of a spring bushing associated with each of the two pivot armsand a compression spring interconnected to each of the two pivot arms.In another embodiment, a spring bushing is positioned at least partiallywithin each of the two pivot arms. Optionally, the spring bushingsinclude spring axes that define a spring plane, the spring planesubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.Additionally, or alternatively, a compression spring may beinterconnected to an exterior side of each of the pivot arms.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of reforming aninner wall portion of a metallic container. The method includes one ormore of, but is not limited to: (1) positioning a lower dome portion ofthe metallic container on a reforming apparatus, comprising: (i) atooling housing element with a first end and a second end; (ii) a domereceptacle interconnected to the first end of the tooling housingelement and including a support surface configured to support the lowerdome portion of the metallic container; (iii) pivot arms located withinthe tooling housing element; (iv) a reform roller associated with eachpivot arm, each reform roller including an annular edge; and (v) a wedgemember arranged between the pivot arms and operable to travel betweenthe pivot arms toward the dome receptacle, the wedge member adapted toextend the pivot arms outwardly when the wedge member travels toward thedome receptacle; (2) moving the wedge member toward the dome receptacle;(3) engaging the inner wall portion of the metallic container with theannular edges of the reform rollers to form a predetermined geometry inthe inner wall portion of the metallic container; and (4) moving thewedge member away from the dome receptacle to disengage the reformrollers from the inner wall portion of the metallic container. In oneembodiment, the wedge member has an exterior surface configured toselectively engage a portion of each of the pivot arms. In oneembodiment, the wedge member engages the pivot arms when the wedgemember is moved toward the dome receptacle. In another embodiment, theannular edge of each reform roller extends beyond the support surface ofthe dome receptacle.

In one embodiment, the reforming apparatus further comprises a shaftinterconnected to an end of the wedge member that is distal to the domereceptacle. The shaft is operable to rotate the wedge member around alongitudinal axis of the reforming apparatus. In one embodiment, thewhen the wedge member engages each of the pivot arms, the pivot armsrotate around the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the reforming apparatus may include a bias element to biasthe pivot arms inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment,the bias element includes at least one of a spring bushing and acompression spring. Optionally, a spring bushing is positioned at leastpartially within each of the pivot arms.

Although generally referred to herein as “metallic container,” “beveragecontainer,” “can,” and “container,” it should be appreciated that thecurrent invention may be used with containers of any size or shapeincluding, without limitation, beverage cans and beverage bottles.Accordingly, the term “container” is intended to cover containers of anytype. Further, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, themethods and apparatus of the present invention may be used for any typeof metallic container and are not specifically limited to a beveragecontainer such as a soft drink or beer can.

The terms “metal” or “metallic” as used hereinto refer to any metallicmaterial that may be used to form a container, including withoutlimitation aluminum, steel, tin, and any combination thereof.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein,are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, Calone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B andC together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities,dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification andclaims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.”

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more ofthat entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “atleast one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,”“comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be usedinterchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall begiven its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.,Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means”shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and allof the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or actsand the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in theSummary of the Invention, Brief Description of the Drawings, DetailedDescription, Abstract, and Claims themselves.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended, nor should it beconstrued, as being representative of the full extent and scope of thepresent invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the presentinvention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certainembodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily beconstrued as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. Thepresent invention is set forth in various levels of detail in theSummary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and theDetailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the presentinvention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion ofelements or components. Additional aspects of the present invention willbecome more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularlywhen taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the Summary of the Invention given above and the DetailedDescription of the drawings given below serve to explain the principlesof these embodiments. In certain instances, details that are notnecessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render otherdetails difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should beunderstood, of course, that the present invention is not necessarilylimited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. Additionally,it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of a beveragecontainer illustrating a domed bottom portion before an inner wallportion of the domed bottom portion has been reformed;

FIG. 1B is another partial cross-sectional front elevation view of thebeverage container of FIG. 1A after the inner wall portion has beenreformed following a reform operation of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1C is an expanded cross-sectional front elevation view of the domedbottom portion of the beverage container of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a reform apparatus of one embodiment of thepresent invention with reform rollers illustrated in an unactuatedstate;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the reform apparatusof FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 with a retaining ring of the reformapparatus removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the reformapparatus of FIG. 2 with the retaining ring of the reform apparatusremoved for clarity;

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional front elevation view of the reformapparatus of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5 and showing the retaining ring;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the reformapparatus of FIG. 2 with the retaining ring again removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 to a top cross-sectional perspective view of the reform apparatusof FIG. 2 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 with the retaining ring removedfor clarity;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the reform apparatusof FIG. 2 taken along line 8-8;

FIGS. 9A-9C are cross-sectional views illustrating a beverage containerbeing moved into a predetermined position with respect to the reformapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the reform apparatus of FIG. 2 with thereform rollers illustrated in an actuated state;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front elevation view of the reformapparatus of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 and showing the reformapparatus with the retaining ring removed for clarity;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional front perspective view of the reformapparatus of FIG. 10 that is taken along a line similar to the frontelevation view of FIG. 11 with the retaining ring of the reformapparatus removed for clarity;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the reform apparatusof FIG. 10 taken along line 13-13;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the reform apparatus of FIG. 10taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional front perspective view similar to theperspective view of FIG. 12 and illustrating an inner wall portion of abottom dome portion of a beverage container being reformed by reformrollers of the reform apparatus of FIG. 10,

FIGS. 16-17 are views of a carrier element of a reform apparatus of oneembodiment of the present invention with a tooling element and theretaining ring of the reform apparatus removed for clarity and showing awedge member of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A-18B are cross-sectional perspective views of a spring bushingof one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A-19B are exploded perspective views of a wedge member ofanother embodiment of the present invention comprising two pieces thatare interconnectable and positionable within the reforming apparatus;and

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional front elevation view of a portion of thereform apparatus showing the wedge member of FIGS. 19A-19B movableaxially between pivot arms of the present invention.

Similar components and/or features may have the same reference number.Components of the same type may be distinguished by a letter followingthe reference number. If only the reference number is used, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components havingthe same reference number.

To assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the presentinvention the following list of components and associated numberingfound in the drawings is provided herein:

Number Component  2 Beverage container  4 Container body  6 Containersidewall  8 Outer wall portion  10 Annular support member  12 Inner wallportion  14 Domed bottom portion  16 Groove or crease of reformed innerwall portion  17 Diameter of annular groove  18 Hook portion of innerwall portion  20 Reform apparatus  21 Longitudinal axis of reformapparatus  22 Housing  23 Housing end portion  24 Tooting supportelement  26 Retaining ring  27 Die cushion  27A Die cushion  28 Ram  29Ram end portion  30 Shaft  31 Distance between housing end and ram end 32 Bearing  34 Retaining ring  36 Dome receptacle  38 Annular bead ofdome receptacle  39 Bearings  40 Reform roller  41 Annular edge ofreform roller  42 Track Roller  43 Longitudinal axis of track roller 44A Internal retaining ring  44B External retaining ring  45 Anglebetween track roller axis and reform apparatus   longitudinal axis  46Pivot arm  47 Ramp of pivot arm  48 Carrier element  50 Spring bushings 51 Threaded fasteners  51A Threaded fasteners  52 Wedge member  52AWedge member  54 Driver element  56 Threaded fasteners  58 Cap ofthreaded fastener  60 Grooves of wedge member  61 Sloped grooves ofwedge member  62 Distal portion of wedge member  64 Proximal portion ofwedge member  65 Shims  66 Shims  67 Distance between dome receptacleand reform roller  68 Exterior distance between roller annular edges  69Distance between interior of the roller annular edges.  70 Mandrel  72Aperture for spring bushing  82 Compression springs  84 Set screw  86Fixed sleeve of spring bushing  88 Load bearing sleeve of spring bushing 90 Core  92 First springs  94 Second springs  96 First portion of core 98 Second portion of core 100 Axial gap 102 First portion of wedgemember 104 Second portion of wedge member 106 Rollers 108 Apertures

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrumof endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this specification andthe claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with thescope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what mightappear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referringto the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in thepertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, apreferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated forputting the invention into practice is described herein by, and withreference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of thespecification. The exemplary embodiment is described in detail withoutattempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications inwhich the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to thoseskilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the scopeand spirit of the invention.

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description ofnumerous different embodiments, it should be understood that thedetailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does notdescribe every possible embodiment since describing every possibleembodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternativeembodiments could be implemented, using either current technology ortechnology developed after the filing date of this patent, which wouldstill fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any termrecited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in thispatent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done forsake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is notintended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise,to that single meaning.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, before describing certain features of thepresent invention, some general aspects of reforming a beveragecontainer 2 will be described. A beverage container 2 is illustratedafter initial forming but before dome reforming. The beverage container2 includes a container body 4 with a generally cylindrical sidewall 6,an outer wall portion 8 with a reduced diameter, a generally annularsupport member 10, and an inner wall portion 12 coupling the annularsupport member 10 to a domed bottom portion 14 which defines a closedend-wall of the beverage container. The inner wall portion 12 of thedome portion 14 is substantially linear in a vertical direction beforebeing reformed by a reform apparatus. By reforming the domed bottomportion 14 of the beverage container 2, enhanced strengthcharacteristics can be achieved.

Reforming the beverage container 2 involves changing the shape of theinner wall portion 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, theinner wall portion 12 is reformed substantially as depicted in FIG. 1Bto include a radially outwardly extending groove or crease 16.Typically, the groove or crease 16 extends substantially the entirecircumferential extent of the inner wall portion 12. The position,magnitude, and shape of the groove 16 can affect the strength,durability, and/or damage-resistance of the beverage container 2.Accordingly, it is critical to provide accurate control of the reformingapparatus to obtain the proper geometry of the groove 16.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, an expanded view of the inner wall portion 12of the beverage container 2 is illustrated after having been reformed bya reform apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.Following a reform process performed by a reform apparatus of anembodiment of the present invention, the inner wall portion 12 of theannular support member 10 may include a portion 18 having a relativelypronounced “hook” shape. The annular support member 10 has a radius R2which is smaller than either of radii R1 and R3, which defines this hookportion 18. The hook portion 18 helps to enhance the strengthcharacteristics of the domed bottom portion 14 of the beverage container2. Further, the hook portion 18 substantially locks the inner wallportion 12 and the domed bottom portion 14 in place. The hook portion 18also resists rollout because the hook radius R2 is smaller than eitherradii R1 and R3. By reforming the inner wall portion 12 in such amanner, the inner wall portion 12 resists plastic unrolling, or rollout,which may occur when the container 2 is pressurized, and is associatedwith a change in one or more of radii R1, R2, and R3.

The diameter 17 of the groove or crease 16 is larger than the interiorsurface diameter of the inner wall portion 12. Accordingly, it is moredifficult to pass through the smaller opening of the inner wall portion12. Said another way, the dome portion 14 cannot roll out or movedownward past the inner wall portion 12 because the diameter 17 of thegroove 16 is larger than the diameter of the inner wall portion 12.Further, the groove or crease 16 helps prevent unwinding and theresultant increased container length during any pasteurizing process.When pressure is applied to the domed bottom portion 14 from inside thecontainer 2, the domed bottom portion 14 is forced toward the bottomportion of the beverage container 2. The geometric shape of the domedbottom portion 14 results in pressure applied to the inner wall portion12 in a direction toward the bottom of the container 2 and toward theouter wall portion 8. When such pressure is applied, because of thegeometry of the inner wall portion 12, it is unlikely that any of theradii R1, R2, and R3 will increase, thus reducing the likelihood ofrollout and/or buckle. Examples of the dimensions and geometry of thegroove 16 that may be formed with the reform apparatus 20 of the presentinvention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,473 which is incorporatedherein in its entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-8, one embodiment of a reform apparatus 20 ofthe present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3, the reformapparatus 20 generally includes a housing 22 interconnected to a toolingsupport element 24 by a first retaining ring 26. In one embodiment, adie cushion 27 is positioned between a portion of the tooling element 24and the first retaining ring 26.

The housing 22 includes a ram 28 and a shaft 30 substantiallyconcentrically aligned. The ram 28 and the shaft 30 can move axiallygenerally parallel to a longitudinal axis 21 of the reform apparatus.The shaft 30 may also rotate around the longitudinal axis 21 within thehousing 22. In one embodiment, when the reform apparatus 20 is in anopen position in which the tooling of the reform apparatus 20 is in anunactuated state (as illustrated in FIGS. 2-9) a distance 31 between anend portion 23 of the housing 22 and an end portion 29 of the ram 28 isgreater than approximately 0.3 inches. In a more preferred embodiment,the distance 31 is greater than approximately 0.33 inches. In a stillmore preferred embodiment, the distance is greater than approximately0.34 inches.

The shaft 30 is supported by bearings 32 such that the shaft 30 canrotate with respect to the ram 28 while the ram 28 does not rotate. Anysuitable bearings 32 may be used with the reform apparatus 20. In oneembodiment, the bearings have a bore diameter of approximately 17 mm andan outer diameter of approximately 40 mm.

The tooling support element 24 generally includes a second retainingring 34 (illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5), a dome receptacle 36, and reformrollers 40. Optionally, a second die cushion 27A is positioned between aportion of the second retaining ring 34 and the dome receptacle 36. Inone embodiment, the second die cushion 27A is the same as, or similarto, die cushion 27.

The dome receptacle 36 includes an annular bead 38 adapted to receive anannular support member 10 of a beverage container 2 (as illustrated inFIGS. 9B-9C). Different dome receptacles 36 may be used with the reformapparatus 20 with annular beads 38 of diameters sized to fit beveragecontainers 2 of any diameter. For example, the annular bead 38 of thedome receptacle 36 may have a diameter selected to receive the annularsupport member 10 of a 202 diameter beverage container (a beveragecontainer with a diameter of 2 2/16 inches), a 204 diameter beveragecontainer (a beverage container with a diameter of 2 4/16 inches), a 211diameter beverage container (a beverage container with a diameter of 211/16 inches), or a beverage container of any other diameter.

Each reform roller 40 is rotationally interconnected to a head portionof a track roller 42 by a retaining ring 44A. The track rollers 42include internal bearings (not illustrated). In one embodiment, thebearings of the track rollers 42 are needle rollers. It will beappreciated by one of skill in the art that the needle rollers of thetrack rollers 42 provide a longer service life than other bearings. Theretaining rings 44A enable the reform rollers 40 to rotate axially abouta longitudinal axis 43 of each track roller 42. In one embodiment, thehead or cylindrical roller of the track rollers 42 has a diameter ofapproximately ⅝ inches and a width of approximately 7/16 inches.

An annular edge 41 of each reform roller 40 is adapted to contact andapply a compressive force to an inner wall portion 12 of a beveragecontainer 2 when the annular support member 10 of the beverage container2 is received in the annular bead 38. The annular edge 41 has apredetermined profile adapted to form the groove or crease 16 on thebeverage container 2 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1.

The track rollers 42 are interconnected to pivot arms 46. In oneembodiment, the track rollers 42 include a stud portion that threadablyengages a bore formed in the pivot arms 46.

The pivot arms 46 have radially inward edge portions. Optionally, theradially inward edge portions of the pivot arms 46 may be shaped toengage a portion of a wedge member 52 of the reform apparatus 20. In oneembodiment, the radially inward edges of the pivot arms 46 form a ramp47. The ramp 47 has a maximum thickness proximate to the reform rollers40. Said another way, the radially inward edges of the pivot arms 46slope inwardly proximate to the dome receptacle 36.

The pivot arms 46 are pivotally interconnected to a carrier element 48.The pivot arms 46 are biased inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 21.Optionally, the pivot arms 46 include by spring bushings 50 that biasthe pivot arms inwardly. In one embodiment, a medial portion of eachspring bushing 50 is positioned at least partially within a bore of oneof the pivot arms 46. End portions of each spring bushing 50 areinterconnected to the carrier element 48. The medial portion of eachspring bushing 50 can rotate with respect to the end portions. Each ofthe spring bushings 40 has a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, thelongitudinal axes of the spring bushings 40 are substantially parallel.In another embodiment, the spring bushing longitudinal axes define aplane that is substantially perpendicular to the reform apparatus axis21.

In one embodiment, the spring bushings 50 are pre-loaded. In anotherembodiment, the spring bushings 50 are not preloaded when installed inthe reform apparatus 20. In this manner, angular actuation of the springbushings 50 is increased compared to spring bushings that arepre-loaded. Additionally, spring bushings 50 which are not preloadedgenerally have a longer service life compared to spring bushings thatare pre-loaded. In one embodiment, the spring bushings 50 apply betweenabout 3 lbf and about 7 lbf to the pivot arms 46 to bias distal ends ofthe pivot arms inwardly.

Optionally, the reform apparatus 20 may also include compression springs82. By including both compression springs 82 and spring bushings 50 inthe reform apparatus 20, the load on the spring bushings 50 may bereduced. In this manner, the service life of the spring bushings 50 isincreased. In one embodiment, the service life of the spring bushings 50is at least equal to the design life of the reform apparatus 20 suchthat spring bushings 50 are not scheduled to be service or replacedduring the service life of the reform apparatus 20.

In one embodiment, the compression springs 82 are positioned betweenpivot arms 46 and the carrier element 48. In one embodiment, thecompression springs 82 are aligned generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 21 of the reform apparatus 20; however, it will beappreciated by one of skill in the art that the compression springs 82may be arranged in a different position with respect to the pivot arms46 and the carrier element 48. Optionally, the compression springs applybetween about 3 lbf and about 7 lbf to the pivot arms 46 to bias thedistal ends of the pivot arms inwardly.

The spring bushings 50 and the compression springs 82 are adapted tobias the pivot arms 46 radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis 21as illustrated in FIG. 3. A set screw 84 may be associated with eachcompression spring 82. By rotating the optional set screw 84, the biasforce applied to the pivot arms 46 by the compression springs 82 may beadjusted. In one embodiment, the reform apparatus 20 includes the springbushings 50. In another embodiment, the reform apparatus includes thecompression springs 82. Optionally, the reform apparatus may includeboth the spring bushings 50 and the compression springs 82.

In one embodiment, when the track rollers 42 are biased inwardly, anangle 45 between the apparatus axis 21 and the track roller axis 43 isno greater than approximately 0.450. In another embodiment, the angle 45is less than approximately 0.350. In a more preferred embodiment, theangle 45 is approximately 0.3290. In one embodiment, an exteriordistance 68 between the roller annular edges 41 is less thanapproximately 1.9 inches when the reform rollers 40 are in theunactuated state. In a more preferred embodiment, the distance 68 isapproximately 1.78 inches. In another embodiment, the distance 68 isbetween about 1.6 inches and 1.9 inches when the reform rollers 40 arein the unactuated state.

A distance 69 (illustrated in FIG. 5) separating the roller annularedges 41 in the unactuated state is less than approximately 0.01 inches.In a more preferred embodiment, the distance 69 is approximately 0.002inches. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a distance 67 between an exteriorsurface portion of the dome receptacle 36 and an exterior surfaceportion of the reform rollers 40 is less than approximately 0.095inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the distance 67 is approximately0.092 inches.

Threaded fasteners 51 (illustrated in FIG. 3) may be used to retain thespring bushings 50 in the pivot arms 46. Similarly, additional threadedfasteners 51A (illustrated in FIG. 5) may retain the spring bushings 50to the carrier element 48. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners 51Ahave a different dimension than threaded fasteners 51.

The carrier element 48 is substantially concentrically aligned with, androtationally interconnected to, the tooling element 24 and the domereceptacle 36 by bearings 39. The bearings 39 are held in predeterminedpositions by retaining rings 44B. In this manner, the carrier element 48may rotate axially around the longitudinal axis 21 of the reformapparatus 20. Although any type of bearing may be used with the reformapparatus 20, in one embodiment the bearings 39 have a bore diameter ofapproximately 2.0 inches and an outer diameter of approximately 2.5inches.

A wedge member 52 is positioned between the pivot arms 46. The wedgemember 52 is interconnected to a driver element 54 by threaded fasteners56 (illustrated in FIG. 8). The cap 58 of a threaded fastenerinterconnects the driver element 54 to the shaft 30. As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 8, the driver element 54 may optionally include an aperturesized to at least partially receive the screw cap 58. Additionally, thedriver element 54 may include a recess adapted to receive the distalportion 62 of the wedge member 52. More specifically, the recess mayhave a shape and size substantially the same as the shape and size ofthe wedge distal portion 62.

The wedge member 52 is adapted to move axially substantially parallel tothe longitudinal axis 21 between the pivot arms 46. The wedge member 52is configured to engage the pivot arms 46 when the wedge member 52 isadvanced toward the dome receptacle 36. In this manner, the wedge member52 can impart axial and rotational movement to the pivot arms 46. Morespecifically, exterior edges of the wedge member 52 are shaped to engagean inwardly facing edge of each of the pivot arms 46. In one embodiment,the wedge member 52 includes recesses or grooves 60 (best seen in FIG.6) that engage the ramp 47 of each pivot arm 46. The grooves 60 aretapered and increase in depth from a portion 62 of the wedge member 52distal to the reform roller 40 to a portion 64 of the wedge member 52proximate to the reform rollers 40. Said another way, the proximalportion 64 between the grooves 60 has a width that is less than thewidth of the distal portion 62 of the wedge member 52. The springbushings 50 and/or the compression springs 82 bias the pivot arms 46inwardly against the centrifugal force when the wedge member 52 rotatesthe pivot arms 46 around the longitudinal axis 21.

The wedge member 52 may be made of any durable and long lastingmaterial. In one embodiment, the wedge member 52 is made of engineeredplastic. In another embodiment, the wedge member 52 is made of anorganic thermoplastic polymer. Optionally, the wedge member 52 may bemade of Polyether ether ketone (or “PEEK”). However, it is contemplatedthat other materials may be used to form the wedge member 52, such as ametallic material. In one embodiment, the wedge member 52 is formed of asingle piece of material. However, in another embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 19A, 19B, a wedge member 52A of another embodiment of the presentinvention is formed of two or more pieces that are interconnectedtogether.

The reform apparatus 20 may also include a number of shims 65, 66. Forexample, shims 65 may be positioned between the track rollers 42 and thepivot arms 46. In one embodiment, the shims 65 have an inner diameter ofapproximately 0.25 inches, and outer diameter of approximately 0.375inches, and a thickness of between about 0.01 inches to about 0.06inches. Shims 66 may also be positioned between the housing 22 and thetooling element 24. In one embodiment, shims 66 have an inner diameterof approximately 70 mm, an outer diameter of approximately 76 mm, and athickness of between about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, in operation a beverage container 2 is mountedto a mandrel 70. The mandrel 70 moves the beverage container 2 axiallyand generally along the longitudinal axis 21 toward the dome receptacle36 of the reform apparatus 20. Referring now to FIGS. 9B-9C, the mandrel70 continues moving axially until the annular support member 10 of theclosed end of the beverage container 2 is positioned on the annular bead38 of the dome receptacle 36 of the reform apparatus 20. In oneembodiment, the mandrel does not rotate axially around the longitudinalaxis 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-15, when the beverage container 2 is in apredetermined position on the dome receptacle 36, the ram 28 and shaft30 of the reform apparatus 20 advance axially within the housing 22toward the dome receptacle 36 substantially parallel to the longitudinalaxis 21. As shown in FIG. 11, the axial movement of the ram 28 and shaft30 cause the driver element 54 to push the wedge member 52 axiallybetween the pivot arms 46 toward the reform rollers 40. This causes thewedge member 52 to engage the pivot arms 46. In one embodiment, thegrooves 60 of the wedge member 52 engage the ramp 47 of each pivot arm46. The axial rotation of the wedge member 52 around the longitudinalaxis 21 is thus transferred to the pivot arms 46. Accordingly, the pivotarms 46 begin to rotate axially around the longitudinal axis 21. In someembodiment, the wedge member 52 is rotating continuously.

As the ram 28 and shaft 30 continue pushing the wedge member 52 towardthe dome receptacle 36, the ramps 47 of the pivot arms 46 follow thegrooves 60 of the wedge member 52. In this manner, the radially inwardbias of the spring bushings 50 and compression springs 82 is overcomeand the pivot arms 46 are pushed radially outwardly away from thelongitudinal axis 21. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the reform rollers40 move to the actuated state and apply a predetermined force to theinner wall portion 12 of the container body dome 14 in response tomovement of the wedge member 52. Said differently, the movement of thereform rollers 40 to the actuated state is not in response to a forceapplied to the reform apparatus 20 from the beverage container 2. Thus,the reform apparatus 20 of the present invention applies less force tothe beverage container 2 during reforming of the domed portion 14compared to known reforming apparatus. In one embodiment, the reformapparatus 20 may be used to form a groove 16 on a beverage container 2with a thinner container body 4 than prior art reforming apparatus.Thus, beverage containers 2 formed of thinner gaged material may bereformed with the reform apparatus 20 of the present invention, reducingthe amount of material and associated costs used to form the beveragecontainer 2.

In one embodiment, the angle 45 between the track roller axis 43 andreform apparatus axis 21 increases to greater than approximately 1.0°when distal ends of the pivot arms 46 move outwardly. In a morepreferred embodiment, the angle 45 increases to more than about 1.2°. Ina still more preferred embodiment, when the reform apparatus 20 is inthe actuated state, the angle 45 increases to approximately 1.24°. Inanother embodiment, the angle 45 increases by at least aboutapproximately 0.90 when the reform apparatus 20 moves to the actuatedstate.

In the actuated state of the reform apparatus 20, the annular edge 41 ofeach reform roller 40 projects at least partially beyond an interiordiameter of the annular bead 38 of the dome receptacle 36. In oneembodiment, the exterior distance 68 between the roller annular edges 41increases to greater than approximately 1.8 inches. In a more preferredembodiment, the distance 68 is more than approximately 1.85 inches. In astill more preferred embodiment, the distance 68 is approximately 1.87inches. In another embodiment, in the actuated state, the distance 68 isbetween about 1.8 inches and about 2.0 inches. In another embodiment,the distance 68 increases by between approximately 0.08 inches and 0.09inches when the reform apparatus 20 moves to the actuated state.

The distance 31 between the end portion 23 of the housing 22 and the endportion 29 of the ram 28 decreases in the actuated state of the reformapparatus 20. In one embodiment, in the actuated state, the distance 31is less than approximately 0.25 inches. In another embodiment, thedistance 31 is between approximately 0.18 inches and approximately 0.25inches. In a more preferred embodiment, the distance is between about0.187 inches and about 0.247 inches. In another embodiment, the distance31 is approximately 0.217 inches when the reform apparatus 20 is in theactuated state.

The distance 67 between the exterior surface portion of the domereceptacle 36 and the exterior surface portion of the reform rollers 40also decreases in the actuated state of the reform apparatus 20. In oneembodiment, the distance 67 is less than approximately 0.09 inches. In amore preferred embodiment, the distance 67 is approximately 0.087inches.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 15, when the annular support member 10 ofa beverage container 2 is in the predetermined position in the annularbead 38 of the dome receptacle 36, the annular edge 41 of the reformrollers 40 apply a predetermined force to the inner wall portion 12 ofthe container body 4. As the pivot arms 46 rotate axially around theapparatus axis 21, the roller annular edges 41 form the groove 16circumferentially around the inner wall portion 12.

After at least one of a predetermined number of rotations and apredetermined period of time, the ram 28 and shaft 30 begin to moveaxially away from the dome receptacle 36 in a direction substantiallyparallel to apparatus axis 21. The wedge member 52 moves at leastpartially out of the space between the pivot arms 46 and the wedgemember 52 loses engagement of the pivot arms 46. In one embodiment, theramps 47 of the pivot arms 46 move out of the wedge grooves 60.Accordingly, the spring bushings 50 and compression springs 82 biasinwardly toward longitudinal axis 21, returning the reform rollers 40 tothe disengaged state, as illustrated in FIGS. 9B-9C. The beveragecontainer 2 may then be removed from the reform apparatus 20 by themandrel 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-17, a carrier element 48 of an embodiment ofthe present invention is generally illustrated. The carrier element 48is shown separated from the housing 22 of the reform apparatus 20 withthe tooling element 24, second retaining ring 34, and the domereceptacle 36 removed for clarity. Apertures 72 are formed in thecarrier element 48 to receive the spring bushings 50. In FIG. 16, thewedge member 52 is partially withdrawn from between the pivot arms 46showing a grove 60 of one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the wedge member 52 is shown completelywithdrawn from the carrier element 48. The proximal portion 64 is shownillustrating that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the wedgegroove 60 is deeper at the proximal portion 64 than at the distalportion 62 of the wedge member 52. The proximal portion 64 of the groove60 may also optionally include a groove portion 61 with a slope that isdifferent than the slope of groove 60. The exterior cross-sectionalshape of the wedge member 52 is substantially uniform from the distalportion 62 to the proximal portion 64 except within the groove 60. Saidanother way, the exterior shape and dimensions of the wedge member 52are substantially uniform.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A-18B, partial cross-sectional views of springbushings 50 of the present invention are illustrated. The spring bushing50 generally comprises two fixed sleeves 86 with a common core 90. Aload bearing sleeve 88 is rotationally interconnected to core 90. Theload bearing sleeve 88 can rotate axially with respect to the fixedsleeves 86. In one embodiment, the load bearing sleeve 88 is limited toa predetermined amount of axial rotation with respect to the fixedsleeves 86. In one embodiment, the fixed sleeves 86 are interconnectedto the aperture 72 of the carrier element 48. Similarly, the loadbearing sleeve 88 is received within an aperture formed through thepivot arm 46. In this manner, the pivot arm 46 is interconnected to thecarrier element 48.

First springs 92 and second springs 94 are arranged generally radiallywithin the core 90. More specifically, a first end of each spring 92, 94is interconnected to a first portion 96 of the core 90 and a second endof each spring 92, 94 is interconnect to a second portion 98 of the core90. Two axial gaps 100 separate the first and second core portions 96,98. Although only one of the axial gaps 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 18A,18B, both axial gaps 100A, 100B are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4. In oneembodiment, the springs 92, 94 comprise a plate of flexible material. Inanother embodiment, the first springs 92 are transverse to the secondsprings 94. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, since thespring bushing 50 does not include sliding parts, no lubrication isgenerally required and limited or no friction is created.

Spring bushings 50 of any suitable type may be used with the reformapparatus 20 of the present invention. In one embodiment, suitablespring bushings 50 may be obtained from C-Flex Bearing Co, Inc.,although other suppliers are contemplated.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19B, a wedge member 52A of another embodimentof the present invention is illustrated. The wedge member 52A has thesame or similar dimensions as wedge member 52 and may be made of thesame or similar materials. Similar to wedge member 52, wedge member 52Ais shaped to engage an interior portion of a pivot arm. In oneembodiment, the wedge member 52A includes grooves 60 that have a firstdepth at a distal portion 62 of the wedge member 52A and a secondgreater depth at a proximal portion 64. Optionally, the groove 60includes a second portion 61 which has a different slope. The wedgemember 52A further comprises a first portion 102 interconnected to asecond portion 104. Additionally, in one embodiment, wedge member 52Aincludes rollers 106 received in apertures 108 of the first portion 102and the second portion 104.

Referring now to FIG. 19C, as the wedge member 52A is driven axiallyforward toward the dome receptacle 36, the rollers 106 contact theangled surface, or ramps 47 of the pivot arms 46. Inner radial surfacesof the rollers 106 contact each other and resist movement inward. Sincethe rollers 106 are captured in the apertures 108, the rollers 106 rollagainst each other and roll up the inclined surface of the pivot arms 46forcing the pivot arms to open as the pivot arms 46 rotate about pivotpoints held by the spring bushings 50. The rollers 106 then act asroller bearings, rolling instead of sliding. In this manner, the rollers106 reduce friction and wear.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting of the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Theembodiments described and shown in the figures were chosen and describedin order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practicalapplication, and to enable those of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the invention.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of thoseembodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, referencesmade herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should beunderstood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention andshould not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to aparticular description. It is to be expressly understood that suchmodifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention, as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reforming apparatus for shaping an inner wallportion of a closed end of a metallic container, comprising: a toolingsupport element; a dome receptacle interconnected to a distal end of thetooling support element and including a surface portion adapted tosupport the closed end of the metallic container; pivot arms positionedwithin the tooling support element; spring bushings positioned at leastpartially within the pivot arms to provide an inward biasing force tothe pivot arms; a track roller interconnected to a distal end of each ofthe pivot arms; a reform roller interconnected to a distal end of eachtrack roller, each reform roller including an annular edge with apredetermined shape; a wedge member positioned between the pivot armsand in operable contact to travel between the pivot arms; and a shaftinterconnected to a proximal end of the wedge member to selectivelysupply axial movement to the wedge member, wherein when the wedge memberis advanced toward the dome receptacle between the pivot arms by theshaft, the pivot arms extend outwardly and the annular edges of thereform rollers engage the inner wall portion of the metallic container.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an exterior distance between theannular edges of the reform rollers increases by at least about 0.08inches when the pivot arms extend outwardly.
 3. The apparatus of claim2, wherein an angle between the reform rollers and a longitudinal axisof the reforming apparatus increases by at least about 0.9° when thepivot arms extend outwardly.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachof the pivot arms includes an interior side which slopes inwardlyproximate to the distal end of each pivot arm.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the wedge member includes grooves to engage an interior sideof each of the pivot arms when the wedge member is advanced axiallybetween the pivot arms by the shaft.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the grooves of the wedge member include a first portion with afirst slope and a second portion with a second slope.
 7. The apparatusof claim 5, wherein the grooves of the wedge member have a first depthproximate to the shaft which is less than a second depth of the groovesproximate to the reform rollers.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe wedge member comprises at least one of an engineered plastic and anorganic thermoplastic polymer.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thespring bushings comprise: an outer portion with a central bore; and aninner portion positioned within the central bore of the outer portion,the inner portion including at least one peripheral gap along a lengthof the inner portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the springbushings are aligned with a plane that is substantially perpendicular toan axis of rotation of the shaft.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furtherincluding a compression spring interconnected to an exterior side ofeach of the pivot arms to apply an inward biasing force to each of thepivot arms.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wedge membersupplies an outwardly oriented force and rotational movement to thepivot arms.
 13. A tool adapted to shape an inner wall of a metalliccontainer dome, comprising: a tool assembly with an upper end and alower end, the upper end having a substantially flat upper surfaceadapted to engage the dome of the metallic container; two pivot armspositioned within the tool assembly; a reform roller associated with anupper end of each pivot arm; a wedge member positioned between the twopivot arms and having a tapered geometric profile between an upper endand a lower end to engage an inward portion of each of the two pivotarms; and a rotatable shaft operably engaged to the lower end of thewedge member, wherein when force is applied to the lower end of thewedge member, the pivot arms extend outwardly and annular edges of thereform rollers engage the inner wall of the metallic container dome. 14.The tool of claim 13, further comprising biasing elements interconnectedto the tool assembly to bias each of the two pivot arms inwardly. 15.The tool of claim 14, wherein the biasing elements comprise at least oneof a spring bushing positioned at least partially within each of the twopivot arms and a compression spring interconnected to an exterior sideof each of the two pivot arms.
 16. The tool of claim 13, wherein thewedge member includes two outwardly facing grooves to capture the twopivot arms.
 17. A method of reforming an inner wall portion of ametallic container, comprising: positioning a lower dome portion of themetallic container on a reforming apparatus, comprising: a toolinghousing element with a first end and a second end; a dome receptacleinterconnected to the first end of the tooling housing element andincluding a support surface configured to support the lower dome portionof the metallic container; pivot arms located within the tooling housingelement; a reform roller associated with each pivot arm, each reformroller including an annular edge; and a wedge member arranged betweenthe pivot arms and operable to travel between the pivot arms toward thedome receptacle, the wedge member adapted to extend the pivot armsoutwardly when the wedge member travels toward the dome receptacle;moving the wedge member toward the dome receptacle; engaging the innerwall portion of the metallic container with the annular edges of thereform rollers to form a predetermined geometry in the inner wallportion of the metallic container; and moving the wedge member away fromthe dome receptacle to disengage the reform rollers from the inner wallportion of the metallic container.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe reforming apparatus further comprises a shaft interconnected to anend of the wedge member that is distal to the dome receptacle.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the reforming apparatus further comprisessprings to bias the pivot arms inwardly.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the springs comprise spring bushings positioned at leastpartially within the pivot arms.